Joyce Adema

Joyce Russo Adema, passed away on January 21, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of New Orleans and San Diego. Former wife of Joseph Amoretti Adema. She is survived by her children, Krista Adema Roeling of New Orleans, Patrick Marius Adema (Carolyn) of Mandeville, Beth Adema Cury (Steven) of San Diego, and Rodi William Adema (Maureen) of Boston. Joyce is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Nicholas Joseph Adema (Ashley), Laura Elliott Roeling, Christopher Louis Adema, Caitlin Elizabeth Bowdler (Stephen), Alexander David Roeling, Zachary Paul Adema, Blaire Nilson Roeling, Colin Steven Cury, Megan Taylor Cury, Courtney Anne Adema, Matthew William Adema and one great-grandchild: Blake Louise Adema. She graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1949 with a doctorate in Optometry. Joyce also graduated from Tulane University in 1986 with a MBA. She completed extensive early childhood development studies at Gesell Institute of Child Development at Yale University. Joyce had a nationally renowned behavioral Optometric and Vision Development practice in New Orleans and Mandeville. She was the founder and governing board member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and a board member of the Optometric Extension Foundation Program. Joyce also served as a board member of the Lighthouse for the Blind. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern College of Optometry for her contributions to the Optometric profession, the Getman Award from C.O.V.D. for her clinical expertise, and the Annual Vocational Award from the New Orleans Rotary Club for involvement in the community. She was a consultant to many rehabilitation centers and schools in Louisiana. There will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, 3900 St. Charles Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations graciously accepted to Lighthouse for the Blind: www.lighthouselouisiana.org.